Artist Kathy Jones contributed “Amber” to the Festival of Arts’ collection that benefits an artists’ fund.

The Festival of Arts introduces “Go Gold”, a new Art-to-Go collection of art works donated by festival exhibitors whose sale benefits a disaster relief fund for artists.

One hundred originals are featured, most following the “Go Gold” theme. Works are available starting July 2 at artists preview night, and daily thereafter through Aug. 31.

“We’ve helped artists recover from our recent winter floods,” said founder and fund president Anne England. “We’ve also helped provide medicine and housing for those with terminal illness.”

The collection is displayed in two new exhibit locations on the Festival grounds. Featured are oils by Scott Moore, Cliff Wassman and Caroline Zimmerman; photos by Barbara White, and Breck Rothage; and mixed media by Mia Moore, Gretchen Shields and John Taylor. Many pieces present gold in the palette, but some artists took a more clever approach by only referencing it in the title or frame.

Over 80 guests were in attendance Saturday, June 18, for an open studio show hosted by photographer and artist David Kluver at his Kluver Artworks Studio in Laguna Beach.

Kluver is known primarily for sepia fine art images of island landscapes and his work with corporate brands. Six framed art pieces from Kluver’s new series “Aloha Sessions 2011” were sold and a raffle was held to benefit Generation Give, focusing on an orphanage in Haiti. The artist says he plans to travel to Haiti later this year and delivering at least some of the goods and or funds to the orphanage himself. “To be able to see the faces of those we are helping, especially the children, is very important to me, “ Kluver said.

Half of all art sold from Kluver’s website or from his Facebook page “The Island Image” in July will go to Generation Give. To purchase art, visit www.theislandimage.com . For more information about Generation Give, visit www.gen-give.com .

Topping’s work is highly collectable, receiving first place in fusing/kilnworked glass at Pacific Art Glass for “Majestic Wave” in 2009 as well as first place and the People’s Choice Award in fusing/kilnworked glass at the 2010 Las Vegas Glass Craft and Bead Expo for “Golden Winter.”

Laguna Beach artist Maurice currently has a 12-foot painted mural touring nationally for the Art Miles Mural Project, which is to be dedicated during the Sept. 11 anniversary tribute.

The city’s recreation department is offering a six-session workshop July 16 to Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as an introduction to SoulCollage, a tool for self-expression.

The art process combines image and art to create cards. No art experience is necessary. The classes taught by Ellie Freedman may be taken as a series or individually. The cost is $120 for six classes and $25 for individual drop-ins. A $5 materials fee is due at each class.

To register or obtain more information, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net or call 949-497-0716 ext.6.

Summer Printmaking

Join Carol Swanson for a three session workshop on monotype printmaking, which will explore the many surface effects of one of-a-kind prints on an etching press.

Open to both beginning and advanced printmakers ages 50 and up, the classes will take place on Wednesdays in July from 1-3 p.m. at the Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St. $30 all three sessions and materials. For more information or to register, please contact Patty Koss at 949-464-9535.

Preview Celebrates Art-A-Fair Exhibitors

More than 2,000 guests attended Art-A-Fair’s annual preview night last week, hosted by Art-A-Fair’s 125 artists. The evening celebrated the artists and their art as well as the festival’s 45th season, which also began last week.

Art-A-Fair is open daily Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. A season admission ticket is $7 for adults and $4 for seniors (60+), military and students with an ID. Children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. Laguna Beach residents are admitted free with valid ID. Parking is available at ACT V, north on Laguna Canyon, with free shuttle service to Art-A-Fair, 777 Laguna Canyon Road. For additional information, visit www.art-a-fair.com or call 949.494.4514.

The $19 Passport to the Arts provides unlimited admission all summer to the three Laguna art festivals – Art-A-Fair, Festival of the Arts and Sawdust Festival can be ordered online at www.LagunaBeachPassport.com or by calling 949.497.0521.